Clinical efficacy of rifampicin for treatment of canine pyoderma

Abstract

In this study, the efficacy and field safety of rifampicin were evaluated in dogs with pyoderma. Clinical diagnoses of canine pyoderma were supported by bacteriologic cultures. 20 dogs with pyoderma were treated with rifampicin at a dose of 5 mg(.)kg(-1) once daily for 10 days. Staphylococcus intermedius (40%) was isolated as the predominant pathogen. Serum GGT, ALT, urea, creatinine levels were assessed both before and after treatment for hepatic and renal effects of rifampicin. However, these parameters after treatment were not found to be statistically different compared with the values before treatment. While treatment was clinically successful in 18/20 (90%) dogs with pyoderma, poor improvement was noted in 2/20 (10%) dogs. Rifampicin was safe and effective for the treatment of canine pyoderma at the dosage used in this study.